by Craig Harsant

Promising fast bowler, Jacob Waters has been selected into the Queensland Under 19 cricket team to compete in the Australian Under 19 Championships in Perth in December. 

Jacob is currently playing his first season of Brisbane Premier Grade cricket with the Ipswich - Logan Hornets and is also a member of the Fassifern Bushrangers T-20 Premier Grade team in the Ipswich and West Moreton competition. 

The fiery young quick celebrated his first wicket in Firsts with the Hornets last week and now could possibly see himself regularly bowling at Queensland Sheffield Shield batsmen or even Test players as the season rolls on. 

It hasn’t been an overnight success story for Jacob however with his selection being the first opportunity for him to represent his state despite being selected in several regional sides along the way. 

Jacob began his cricketing journey at age 12 playing for the Fassifern Bushrangers and all cricketing judges agreed he was a player of extraordinary potential. 

Playing in the nets at Coronation Park, Jacob caught the eye of the Fassifern coaches who encouraged him to sign up and play. 

After a strong recommendation by Fassifern officials Jacob was pursued by Ipswich Grammar School and is now in his final year at the school after spending the last two seasons in their 1st XI. 

His mother Gayle Holmes while at first, a reluctant cricketing mum, has been by his side all along even to the point now she is usually the official scorer for any side he plays in and never misses a game. 

While Jacob is still playing in the T20 night matches for Fassifern, he is in his second season of senior cricket with the Ipswich Hornets on weekends and to progress through to the highest level of cricket in Queensland at only 18 years of age is an impressive performance. 

No doubt his coaches along the way from the Bushrangers, Hornets and IGS will all be watching his progress in coming years. 

• Fellow Fassifern Bushranger Scott Kostecki from the Leichardt Group is also a strong supporter and  has come forward with sponsorship towards the costs of Jacob’s trip to Perth.